RE: Tracking Wounded Deer at Dark
I think you back off if the animal is still moving. Shooting a rifle at night is not only illegal in most states, but very unsafe. One of the first rules of firearm safety is " To know your target and what is beyond" .
The ethical and humane thing to do is spend more time on the range practicing so this never happens to you.
As a Hunters Safety instructor I hope I can convince you to leave the gun in the truck at night.